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Which free video call app is the best?
30. June 2022 Published by Raphael DoerrThe coronavirus pandemic has further highlighted just what useful and loyal companions our smartphones are. They’ve not only kept us informed and entertained, but have also allowed us to stay in touch with our nearest and dearest – even over large distances. And we soon realized that there’s one thing that’s better than a phone call: video calling. After all, we can directly see who we’re speaking with. Almost like in real life. That’s sufficient reason to present five suggestions for a free video call app here.
Free video call app no. 1: WhatsApp
Who doesn’t know it? WhatsApp has more than two billion users, making it one of the most widespread messaging services. However, many of us only use the chat function – despite the fact that the chat industry’s leader also offers a decent free app for video calls. Up to eight participants can engage in a video chat with end-to-end encryption. Simply press on the camera icon in a chat and off you go. The big advantage of WhatsApp is that just about everyone already has it on their smartphone. That means you don’t need an additional app.
Free video call app no. 2: Skype
Skype is also a popular free video call app, offering video calls with end-to-end encryption and up to 100 participants. It also boasts a number of special features, such as the option of changing the background: All of a sudden, the people talking with you don’t see you sitting at home in your kitchen, but in a Pacific paradise. The live subtitles are especially exciting. It lets you read live the words as they’ve just been spoken. That’s particularly practical for international video calls where a participant doesn’t know the language as well as others. Live emoticons, screen sharing and video filters round out the offering.
Free video call app no. 3: Google Meet
Google Meet is the video call solution from Google. Its functionality is almost as broad as Skype: a maximum of 100 participants, backgrounds, screen sharing and live subtitles. One advantage is that the person being called doesn’t need to have the app and can take part using their browser. Transmission of the data is likewise encrypted and, according to Google, meets high security standards.
Free video call app no. 4: Facebook Messenger
The free video call app can also be used if you don’t have an account with the social network Facebook. However, you can certainly see what company the software comes from when you use it. Playful functions, such as backgrounds, live filters and lighting tweaks, generate the necessary fun factor and sometimes also a wild hotchpotch – At least when the maximum number of 50 participants is used to the full. One aspect that should be mentioned is data security: End-to-end encryption is deactivated as standard and must be enabled separately for each video chat.
Free video call app no. 5: Line
Line comes from Japan. And you notice that: Apart from the usual functions like a video chat with up to 200 people concurrently, it offers a lot of fun features such as stickers, filters and backgrounds. You can also use Line to follow blogs and influencers in social media, listen to music, pay online and, and, and … But beware: The basic functions of the video call app are free, but there are also in-app content or services you have to pay for.
How to look good when making a video call
No matter what your preferred video call app is, there are a few tips on how to come across well:
- Perspective: Make sure the camera is at eye level. Otherwise, there is the acute risk you’ll be shown as having a double chin.
- Light: Never align the camera toward a source of light. If natural light is not enough, artificial light can be used. However, it should have a warm color, otherwise you soon appear pale and unhealthy. Smart home devices can help control the lighting.
- Stance: Sit upright and turned slightly to the side and look into the camera – the same rules as for passport photos apply if you want to create the best-possible impression.
The instant soft focus effect
Finally, an unusual trick: To achieve a natural soft focus effect, simply wipe your finger over the camera. That produces a thin greasy film on the camera that causes many a skin blemish to disappear.
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